Strength Training in Archers

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to compare the acute effects of blood flow restriction resistance exercise, isotonic strengthening exercise, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to the biceps brachii muscle in archery athletes. Volunteer athletes aged 18-45 years, who have been practicing archery for at least one year and have no health restrictions for exercise, will be included in the study. Participants will be divided into three groups and will perform one of the following interventions: blood flow restriction biceps curl, isotonic biceps curl, or NMES. Warm-up and flexibility exercises will be performed before the interventions. In the blood flow restriction exercise group, a 30-15-15-15 repetition protocol will be performed with a low load under the determined arterial occlusion pressure. In the isotonic exercise group, 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions of biceps curl will be performed at 60-70% of 1-RM. In the NMES group, electrical stimulation will be applied to the biceps brachii muscle for 20 minutes at a frequency of 60 Hz, a pulse duration of 100 µs, and a 5-second contraction/5-second rest protocol. Participants will be assessed before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 15 minutes after the intervention. The viscoelastic properties of the biceps brachii muscle will be assessed using Myoton® PRO; upper-extremity dynamic balance using the Y-Balance Test; upper-extremity endurance using the Modified Push-Up Endurance Test; stabilization using the Upper Extremity Stability Test; and reaction time using the Ruler Drop Test. In addition, demographic characteristics, dominant side, and perceived exertion level will be recorded. The acute effects of the three different interventions on biceps brachii muscle properties and upper-extremity performance parameters will be compared based on the results obtained.